"SC TITLE 40, SECTION 40-18-20. Definitions. [SC ST SEC 40-18-20]

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the term:

(A) "Private investigation business" means engaging in business or accepting employment to obtain or furnish information with reference to the:

(1) identity, habits, conduct, business, occupation, honesty, integrity, credibility, knowledge, trustworthiness, efficiency, loyalty, activity, movement, whereabouts, affiliations, associations, transactions, acts, reputation, or character of a person;

(2) location, disposition, or recovery of lost or stolen property;

(3) cause or responsibility for fires, libels, losses, accidents, damage, or injury to persons or property; or

(4) securing of evidence to be used in a criminal or civil proceeding, or before a board, an administrative agency, an officer, or investigating committee."

"SECTION 40-18-80. Security officer registration certificates; application; qualifications of applicants; report of arrests; exemptions. [SC ST SEC 40-18-80]

...  (D) A person is exempt from the registration and licensing requirements of this section when the employer is not a private investigation business and the employee is exclusively employed by that employer. The exemption from registration and licensing requirements applies only to work performed for the exclusive employer. If the person, during the period of his exclusive employment, performs or is available to perform investigative work for a different employer or more than one employer, the person must obtain a private investigation license or registration pursuant to this section."

"SECTION 40-18-140. Exceptions from application of chapter. [SC ST SEC 40-18-140]

This chapter does not apply to:

(1) an officer or employee of the federal government, or of this State or a political subdivision of either, or of a municipal corporation while the employee or officer is engaged in the performance of official duties;

(2) a person or firm engaged as a consumer reporting agency, as defined by the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, when gathering, processing, or reporting information directly related to a credit rating or credit status;

(3) an attorney-at-law while in the performance of his duties; or

(4) a person, as defined by Section 38-1-20(29), licensed or authorized by the Director of Insurance to transact business within the State, when performing duties directly related to that license or authorization."

"SECTION 40-18-150. Violation of chapter as misdemeanor. [SC ST SEC 40-18-150]
A person who violates a provision of this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined not more than five thousand dollars or imprisoned for not more than one year, or both."